Gabriëlskloof opens cellar for rare Che Syrah, Syrah magic

Hearty winter feast crowns this Botriver ‘Syrah-bration’

Saturday, July 28

Book now for the first-ever Che Syrah, Syrah wine experience, when Gabriëlskloof Estate in the Overberg will cast the spotlight on an impressive portfolio of unique Syrah wines in its newly converted Landscape Cellar. This rare showcase, which includes a hearty country-inspired lunch complete with crackling fires and cosy comforts, takes place for one day only, on Saturday, 28 July.

The title for this winter wine event ‘on-the-koppie’ – Che Syrah, Syrah* (a play on Que Sera, Sera – what will be, will be), a term made famous by the 1950s Doris Day song – in this context refers to nature’s immutable sway over the vine as well as the calibre of terroir ingrained in every Gabriëlskloof Syrah.

Gabriëlskloof is situated just outside Bot River, a region that is home to some of the country’s finest expressions of Syrah wine. Syrah also makes up the largest portion of plantings at the estate itself and was the inspiration for Gabriëlskloof’s two Landscape Syrahs, which highlight the diversity of terroir.

Che Syrah, Syrah now offers an even closer look at Gabriëlskloof’s Syrah evolution from both stylistic and terroir perspectives, from the old school days of Swartrivier Shiraz to the emergence of the Landscape Syrahs. It bears testimony to excellent wine that has moved in style from being dense and oak-driven, to refined and terroir-inspired.
“This is about our journey to find the best sites on the farm, the best clones, and which combination of those two do best and provide the best wine,” says Gabriëlskloof viticulturist and general manager Barry Anderson. “It is about the process of learning to farm with the land; about working towards balance between growth and fruit; and, about the refinement that has led us ultimately to our best wines for the Landscape Series.”

The Che Syrah, Syrah programme will see guests welcomed at 11:00 on the day with a tasting of older wines, a few international gems and Gabriëlskloof’s past, current and future offerings; and, first-hand insight provided on walkabout through the Landscape Cellar, led by owner Bernard Heyns, cellarmaster Peter-Allan Finlayson and winemaker Donovan Ackermann.

This will be followed by a wholesome feast prepared specially by Gabriëlskloof Restaurant chef Frans Groenewald and paired with Syrah in its many shapes and forms. Between a sizzling selection of homemade soups and cold-dispelling dessert, the meal’s main attraction will be a sumptuous lamb stew, true to its Overberg roots.

At only R450pp, the ticket price is a steal and sure to be snapped up. It includes the Syrah tasting in the Landscape Cellar and the wintry lunch feast paired with wines. It is essential to book for the Gabriëlskloof Che Syrah, Syrah event as soon as possible. Tickets go on sale in June and can be purchased via the Gabriëlskloof website www.gabrielskloof.co.za. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Gabriëlskloof.

Gabriëlskloof can be contacted on 028 284 9865 or info@gabrielskloof.co.za.

Gabriëlskloof Estate – a mere 80-minute drive from Cape Town – is situated just outside Bot River, on the Swartrivier Road, off the N2.

*Que Sera, Sera was popularised in 1956, but the saying’s roots – originally as Che Sarà, Sarà – date as far back as 16th century England. Having re-discovered it, Doris Day’s songwriters altered Che to Que to suit their own purposes, thereby forever clouding its ancient English, Spanish and Italian roots.